Rolls-Royce has an enviable reputation for delivering quality consistently on time. It has successfully built a small electric watercraft, and is preparing to convert diesel cruise ships to battery power. Andreas Seth, executive vice president says the electrification of ships is “building momentum”. And with Rolls-Royce starting to build marine batteries, it is undeniably joining the race.
The Rolls-Royce Plan to Build Marine Batteries
Andreas Seth told Motorship.com his company has delivered battery systems representing about 15MWh since 2010. Moreover the SAVe energy project to convert the Hurtigruten cruise ships will involve 10 to 18MWh of batteries in 2019 alone.
We understand the batteries will be liquid-nitrogen cooled, and scaleable according to energy requirements. Moreover, they will fully comply with international legislation for low- and zero-emission propulsion systems. The program envisages a variety of applications including cruise vessels, ferries, and multi-purpose ships. These may be electric, or hybrid to handle surges in energy demand.
The Potential Scale of the Hurtigruten Cruise Ship Project
The Hurtigruten company is a Norwegian ferry and cargo operator established in 1893 to open up the hinterland. Its ships cross the Arctic Circle and take 11 days for a round trip. It has 2% global market penetration, and operates in Antarctica, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, South America, and Svalbard archipelago north of Europe.
The current fleet comprises 12 coastal vessels, and 4 expedition ships. Moreover, two more expedition ships are on order, and Rolls-Royce will have undoubtedly set its sights on these. We have little doubt it will succeed in its plan to build marine batteries of distinction since it has a reputation for quality.
Electric marine propulsion forms a vital part of the campaign to manage the greenhouse effect. Because diesel ships contribute 5% of greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, they operate far out to sea in unregulated waters. There, unscrupulous operators may pollute the ocean and atmosphere with almost anything with impunity.
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Preview Image: Rolls-Royce Marine Propulsion System
